Getting There

From New York City, take I-95 to the third Newport exit, picking up Route 138 east (which joins briefly with Route 4) and crossing the Newport toll bridge slightly north of the downtown district. From Boston, take Route 24 through Fall River, picking up Route 114 into town.

T. F. Green/Providence Airport (tel. 401/737-8222) in Warwick, south of Providence (Exit 13, I-95), handles national flights into the state. Major airlines serving this airport include American (tel. 800/433-7300), Continental (tel. 800/525-0280), Delta (tel. 800/221-1212), Northwest (tel. 800/225-2525), United (tel. 800/241-6522), and US Airways (tel. 800/428-4322). A few of the larger Newport hotels provide shuttle service, as does Cozy Cab (tel. 401/846-2500).

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, or RIPTA (tel. 800/244-0444 or 401/781-9400), runs up to 28 buses a day on the 70-minute ride between Providence's Kennedy Plaza and the Newport Gateway Visitor Center. One-way fare is $1.50.

RIPTA has inaugurated ferry service between Point Street Landing in Providence and Perrotti Park. From mid-May to mid-October, there are five departures daily. One-way fare is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and children 5 to 11; younger children ride free.

Visitor Information

For advance information available 24 hours, call visitor information (tel. 800/976-5122 outside RI, 800/556-2484 in RI). In town, stop by the excellent Newport Gateway Visitor Center, 23 America's Cup Ave. (tel. 800/326-6030 or 401/849-8048). Open daily from 9am to 5pm (until 6pm Fri-Sat), it has attendants on duty, brochures, a lodging-availability service, a cafe, a souvenir stand, restrooms, and panoramic photos showing the locations of mansions, parks, and other landmarks. The building is shared with the bus station.

Parking & Getting Around

Most of Newport's attractions, except for the mansions, can be reached on foot, so leaving your car at your hotel or inn is wise. Parking lots aren't cheap, especially at the waterfront, and many streets are narrow. The metered parking along Thames Street is closely monitored by police, and fines are steep (although Nov-Apr the meters are hooded and parking is free for up to 3 hr.). Renting or bringing a bicycle is an attractive option.

RIPTA, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (tel. 401/781-9400), has several trolley/bus routes through town, making stops at major sights. Service originates at the Gateway Information Center. Fare is $1.50.

Special Events

Arrive any day in summer and you can expect to find at least a half-dozen festivals, competitions, or other events in progress. Following is only a partial list. (Call ahead to confirm dates: tel. 800/263-4636 outside RI, or 401/848-2000 in RI).

While there are a few substantive events in the off season, notably Christmas in Newport (tel. 401/849-6454) and the February Winter Festival (tel. 401/847-7666), which focuses on food and winter sports, the pace ratchets up in June, starting with the Great Chowder Cook-Off (tel. 401/846-1600). In the third week of June, the gardens of the Point section of town are open to visitors during the Secret Garden Tour (tel. 401/847-0514).

During the middle 2 weeks in July, the Newport Music Festival (tel. 401/849-0700), offers classical concerts daily at various venues. In the third week is the Black Ships Festival (tel. 401/846-2720), a celebration of all aspects of Japanese culture.

August brings the Dunkin' Donuts Newport Folk Festival and the 4-day JVC Jazz Festival -- Newport (tel. 866/468-7619), both held at Fort Adams State Park. Things wind down after Labor Day, though there's still the Waterfront Irish Festival (tel. 401/846-1600) in early September and the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival (tel. 401/849-2120) in the third week of October.